Diagnosis of Insomnia

The doctor will ask about any symptoms, and medical and family history. There will be questions about whether you have problems initiating sleep, staying asleep, waking up early, or feeling tired despite seeming to sleep for a normal amount of time.

To make a diagnosis of insomnia, the doctor will ask about:

Excessive fatigue or daytime sleepiness

Impairment of attention, concentration, or memory

Impairment in social, occupational, or academic performance

Moodiness or irritability

Diminished motivation, energy, or initiative

Occurrence of frequent errors or accidents at work, or while driving

Presence of tension headaches or gastrointestinal distress from lack of sleep

Preoccupation with sleep

To help determine a cause of insomia or any associated conditions, the doctor will ask about:

Moods or mood changes

Physical or mental symptoms or problems

Daily activities

Work pattern or history

Sleep patterns

Snoring

Medication use

Travel patterns

Eating habits

Use of alcohol,
tobacco, or other
drugs

You may also be asked to fill out a sleep diary, which is a record of your sleep patterns. Your doctor may want to speak with your bed partner concerning the quantity and quality of your sleep. Other specialized tests may be ordered depending on what your doctor suspects may be the cause of your insomnia.

In some instance where the diagnosis is not clear, your doctor may order a
polysomnogram
(sleep study), where your sleep is analyzed during a 1 or 2 night stay in a sleep lab.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.